A Chinese national, 28, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 24 years for drugging and raping 10 women in both China and the UK. The sentencing took place at London’s Inner London Crown Court, where Judge Rosina Cottage handed down the verdict.
The convict, Zhou Zhenhao, a former PhD student, was found guilty in March of multiple charges, including rape, voyeurism, and possessing extreme pornography. The crimes were committed between 2019 and 2021. Zhenhao recorded videos of his assaults on nine victims and kept personal items as “souvenirs.” Authorities have identified three victims so far, with seven others still being sought.
The Metropolitan Police believe the actual number of victims could be as high as 50. During the trial, at least 24 other women came forward claiming to be victims. Zhenhao’s offenses included seven rapes in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and four in London. Some of the evidence was recorded at his flat in Bloomsbury and in Elephant and Castle.
When arrested in January 2021, Zhenhao claimed the videos were part of role-play agreed upon with his victims. However, the jury did not believe him due to the evidence presented. UK law allows for the prosecution of foreigners for crimes committed abroad if those acts are also illegal in the country where they occurred.
Zhenhao, from Guangdong province, came to the UK in 2017 to study at the University of Belfast. He later pursued a master’s degree at the University of London in 2019 and was studying for a PhD in mechanical engineering when arrested. Reports suggest he comes from a wealthy family, owning a Rolex watch, renting a £4,000-a-month apartment, and having luxury clothing.
Background of the Case
The case highlights the global reach of UK law in prosecuting serious crimes committed by its residents, regardless of where they occur. Zhenhao’s sentencing demonstrates the legal system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify additional victims continuing.
The source of this information is BBC.